George in Palm Springs

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GLAM NIGHTS: Truth? We're on the precipice of a whole bunch of film festivals and award shows and film festivals that happen to include award shows. With the end of the year comes the start of the starriest stretch of the calendar. And few of those happenings boast the effortless cool and laid-back, easy-breezy chic of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Maybe it has to do with the fact that it happens every January, right around the time that people in a lot of the country are shoveling snow out of their driveways. Oh, but the stars in Palm Springs? They're hanging out by pools, talking movies. Instant glamor. But we think it simply has to do with the festival's consistent quality and high star-wattage. Oh, and speaking of star wattage? George Clooney is set to receive the Chairman's Award.

ALSO ON THE BILL: Possible Clooney-esque sightings are just one treat of the multi-day movie party, of course; some really good films will be on the docket. The festival opens on Jan. 5, and general public tickets go on sale the day after Christmas. Helloooo, Mr. Clooney. Hello, awards season. And hello, pool days and movie nights.